Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

"Ahh... if only I could run 100m in less than 10 secs! (Bowser can!)"

I have never played a Sonic game before this and I have only recently started enjoying Mario games. I wouldn't personally have chosen this game. However, when my friend who also has it gave me it for my birthday, I found out how great it is.

In single player mode there are three options - Single Match, Circuit and Mission. In Single Match you can choose to play any of the 16 real Olympic events or 8 "Dream Events", eg 100m, Long Jump, Trampoline, 100m Freestyle (swimming) etc. You can play these with any of the sixteen characters from Mario and Sonic games. In Circuit you do a string of events with the same character/competitors each time to attempt to be overall 1st. You can either do a preset Circuit (which is how you unlock new events), random events or choose the events. In Mission, you will be given certain objectives (finish in 2nd, beat x, etc.) ranging from easy to nearly impossible.

The multiplayer mode is very dependant on everyone having a card. On multi-card play all events can be played, but on DS Download Play only six basic events are available. Obviously it would be hard to have everything available whilst enduring download times but some games do manage it nicely (New Super Mario Bros.). However, that is a minor flaw and we should just be thankful that we have what we have.

The graphics are great where it matters (characters, equipment etc.) but the audiences can be a sorry sight - they look completely 2D. The graphics generally are very pleasing and don't have you playing through thinking "How ugly can a game be?", though. The music is fine and voice acting, whilst kept to a few catchphrases per character, is very good.

This game will keep you busy for a while - there are loads of emblems and crowns to unlock, as well as missions, minigames and hidden Olympic trivia, not forgetting of course trying to set records! Even once it is finished, I imagine it will still be good to get out and win 100m with Bowser every now and again!

In conclusion, if you want a Mario/Sonic spinoff game, get this. If you want a selection of Touch Screen minigames, get this. If you want a good DS sports game, get this. The good multiplayer and replay value mean you won't want to rent it, and there are very few minor flaws.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/08

Game Release: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (EU, 02/08/08)